The data: 47% of patients say healthcare anxiety has caused them to delay preventive care, according to PatientPoint’s 2026 Patient Confidence Index conducted by Talker Research. That anxiety is rising—43% say that anxiety has increased over the past year.

In a March survey, Talker Research queried 2,000 US adults who’ve visited a primary care doctor in the past year.

Multiple factors contribute to healthcare anxiety.

• Among respondents whose anxiety increased, cost was a top concern: 54% cited healthcare expenses and affordability, followed by inflation (41%). And 34% worried about affording specific treatments.
• 39% were concerned about government policy changes, possibly related to Affordable Care Act adjustments or Medicaid cuts.

The anxiety has a real financial backdrop. Just 49% of US adults say they can consistently afford needed care and medications, according to West Health-Gallup’s 2026 Affordability Index, the lowest overall share since the index launched in 2021. Healthcare cost security fell across every age group during that period.

Implications for healthcare systems and pharma marketers: While patients are anxious about healthcare broadly, 84% still trust information from their doctor, per PatientPoint, up slightly from 83% last year. That gives health systems and pharma marketers a trusted messenger for engaging patients in both preventive and ongoing care.

Health systems can put providers at the center of outreach. Provider-led reminders, follow-ups, and educational materials may carry more weight with anxious patients than general screening campaigns.

For pharma marketers, providers offer a trusted route to connect anxious patients with financial and practical help. With nearly $30 billion in manufacturer copay support going unused, brands can equip providers to introduce copay cards, patient assistance programs, helplines, and enrollment services in patient conversations.